Vivo spin-off IQOO is working on a foldable phone – here’s the proof

We’re only just getting to know the Chinese smartphone manufacturer Vivo, but the firm is already springing a spin-off on us. The new IQOO company is already preparing to debut its first handset, judging by renders shown off in China.

Images posted to the Weibo social network show a double-screened handset that folds out into a larger tablet-style device. The unnamed phone offers a different form factor than what we expect to see with the forthcoming Galaxy X smartphone, which has an external screen which opens out to reveal a separate larger screened 7.3-inch tablet.

The renders (via GSM Arena) appear to showcase quite an ambitious vision for a foldable smartphone with a super slim-line body and no visible ports. It could be that this design is still a concept that is yet to be recreated as a fully-functioning, consumer-ready smartphone. However, rumours from China suggest this phone could cost the equivalent of $1,000, if and when it goes on sale.

Naturally, the IQOO phone appears to be running the Android operating system, albeit heavily skinned by a user interface.

Samsung and IQOO won’t be alone in launching foldable phones this year. We’re intrigued by the prospect of the Motorola Razr flip phone’s potential return as a handset with a foldable screen, while Huawei is promising to bring the world’s first foldable 5G phone to MWC later this month.